Gripen Fighter aircraft to feature at Dubai Air Show

The announcement was made at a special press briefing in Dubai, in the run-uo to this year's Dubai Air Show, 7-11 December 2003, where the aircraft will be on display. There will be a full scale replica of the aircraft and Gripen International will have an exhibition stand dedicated to the success of the Gripen in service.

Gripen was the world's first new generation, multi-role combat aircraft when it entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1997. Its six years' of in-service experience has honed the aircraft into one of the most thoroughly tested fast jet fighters of all time.

To-date, 137 of the 204 Gripen aircraft on order from the Royal Swedish Air Force have been delivered. In addition, the Gripen has been ordered by the South African Air Force (28 aircraft) and the Hungarian Air Force (14 aircraft).

Gripen is being considered by a number of other countries, both NATO and others worldwide, to meet their 21st century defence needs. The aircraft offers exceptional value for money and the most cost-effective solution in a fourth-generation fighter, says Stephen Reeves, Gripen International's executive vice president for international marketing.

"We are receiving interest in Gripen from air forces all around the world," he commented. "Every enquiry is associated with a request to know more about what is on offer. The obvious approach is to get involved in the world's leading air show and that is why Gripen will appear in Dubai in December.

"The Dubai Air Show is acknowledged as one of the most important events for the military aviation sector. The location is ideal, being half-way between Europe and Asia, Russia in the north and South Africa in the south, with excellent communications for all visitors. Gripen International expects to record a very busy show.

"Dubai will be important to us for another reason. During the event on 9 December, we will record the anniversary of the first ever test flight of the Gripen in 1988," added Mr Reeves. "We have high hopes that the first test pilot, Stig Holmstrom, will be able to join us in Dubai for a special commemoration.

"The Gripen is based on the mythological Gryphon, the combination of the lion and the eagle, a combination that cannot be beaten. The Gripen is the most advanced fighter currently in service," added Mr Reeves.